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The pacific coastline defines the edge of this little paradise right in the middle of the world. Despite its small size, this country boasts beaches, the Andean Mountain Range, a part of the Amazon, and the magnificent Galapagos. Ecuador is not just a country, but an experience itself; the conjunction of different indigenous cultures with the modern-day living makes for a sight, where one can only wonder whether you might have accidentally entered a portal through time. The sun projects no shadow to another reality where the colors are brighter, and people live their lives among active volcanoes nestled in the clouds. When nightfall comes, you get pulled back into a time where nightlife is a priority, and everyone wants to have a little dance.
Quito, the country’s capital, is an old Andean city. Although it doesn’t maintain much of its Inca origins, it’s still a testimony to Ecuador’s history and the merging between the Spanish and native cultures. Its historic downtown is the largest and best conserved in all Latin America, which resembles the rebellious character of old and new Quiteños, who in the words of Alexander Von Humboldt “are strange and unique beings: they sleep peacefully surrounded by roaring volcanoes.”
Discover a small paradise
On the coast, you will find beaches that leave you stunned by their mere beauty and will have you thinking about surfing lessons or dancing non-stop, joining the active lifestyle. Be prepared to gain a few pounds, because seafood is one of the local treasures, and you can’t miss it.
One of the things that makes Ecuador a favorite among nature lovers is its biodiversity. You will find several cloud forests that protected prehistoric plants from the Ice Age along the Mountain Range. Ecuador has the most birds per square kilometer globally, especially in regions like Mindo in the North-West Andes or Cuyabeno on the eastern part of the country, where the Amazon river begins.
The first recorded visit to the Galapagos islands happened by accident, as with many wonders of the world. A happy accident, since we know them now as the home of unique ecosystems and stunning landscapes. The scenery ranges from cacti filled islands alive with pinchers’ presence to rock formations in the middle of the sea, where you can dive and share the ocean for a moment with penguins, turtles, sharks, and dolphins, while guarded by a giant sleeping lion. He emerges like a sphynx in the vast pacific.
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explore the highlights
Quito
The country’s capital is an old Andean city. Although it doesn’t maintain much of its Inca origins, it’s still a testimony to Ecuador’s history and merging Spanish and native cultures. Its historic downtown is the largest and best conserved in all of Latin America.
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. This archipelago of islands is located 972km off the coast of Ecuador and perhaps most famous for being where Charles Darwin first formulated his revolutionary theory of evolution.
Otavalo
Otavalo is probably the most traditional town in Ecuador. Indigenous people showcase their textile production and colorful designs, and on Saturdays, it grows exponentially to engulf the streets surrounding it with local merchants, musicians, and street food vendors.
Volcanoes
Chimborazo is also one of Ecuador’s most iconic mountains; it’s the highest extinct volcano in Ecuador and the closest point to Earth’s sun. Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world, with a perfect conic shape recognizable from afar.
Cuenca
With its narrow streets, beautiful plazas, and picturesque cathedrals, Cuenca is a real competitor to the colonial part of Quito. Three rivers cross Cuenca in different parts of town, filling it with magical little spots between the city’s newest feature to the colonial side of it.
Amazon
The Ecuadorian Amazon basin is one of the most biodiverse places in the world, and one of the most beautiful. The Napo River is the Amazon River’s main tributary, home to several un-contacted tribes living nomadic life between the borders of Ecuador, Perú, and Brazil.
Cloud Forests of Baños & Mindo
Baños & Mindo are natural wonders of Ecuador, nestled into the Andes. The area offers a wide array of activities, from adventure rafting to relaxing spa days soaking in natural hot springs that get their temperature and medicinal uses from the depths of the Tungurahua volcano.
Pacific Coast
The coastal region of Ecuador offers an array of secluded and secret beaches where you’ll be alone to wonder and relax in their natural beauty, to cities where life moves fast. You’ll find fresh seafood and picturesque villages, rich in culture and people proud of their identity.
destination map
| Title | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
Quito | Quito, Ecuador | The country’s capital is an old Andean city. Although it doesn’t maintain much of its Inca origins, it’s still a testimony to Ecuador’s history and the merging of the Spanish and native cultures. Its historic downtown is the largest and best conserved in all of Latin America. Read more… |
Galapagos Islands | Islas Galápagos, Ecuador | The Galapagos Islands are one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. This archipelago of islands is located 972k,m off the coast of Ecuador and perhaps most famous for being the place where Charles Darwin first formulated his revolutionary theory of evolution. Read more… |
Otavalo | Otavalo, Ecuador | Otavalo is probably the most traditional town in Ecuador. Indigenous people showcase their textile production and colorful designs, and on Saturdays it grows exponentially to engulf the streets that surround it with local merchants, musicians and street food vendors. Read more… |
Volcanoes | Soche, Ecuador | Chimborazo is also one of the most iconic mountains in Ecuador, it’s the highest extinct volcano in Ecuador and the closest point to the sun from Earth. Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world, with a perfect conic shape that is recognizable from afar… |
Cuenca | Cuenca, Ecuador | Cuenca, with its narrow streets, beautiful plazas and picturesque cathedrals is a real competitor to the colonial part of Quito. Three rivers cross Cuenca in different parts of town, filling it with magical little spots where bridges take you from the newest part of town, to the colonial side of it.Read more… |
Amazon | Venezuela N6-09 & Mejía. 2nd Floor., Centro histórico Quito - Pichincha - Ecuador, Quito 170401, Ecuador | The Ecuadorian Amazon basin is one of the most biodiverse places in the world, and one of the most beautiful. The Napo River is the Amazon River’s main tributary, home to several un-contacted tribes living nomadic life between the borders of Ecuador, Perú, and Brazil. Read more… |
Cloud Forests of Baños and Mindo | Mindo, Ecuador | Baños & Mindo are natural wonders nestled into the Andes, offering a wide array of activities that go from adventure rafting in the river to relaxing spa days soaking in natural hot springs that get their temperature and medicinal features from the depths of Tungurahua volcano. Read more… |
Pacific Coast | Playa La Bellaca,, Bahía de Caráquez, Ecuador | The coastal region of Ecuador offers a wide variety of options for you to enjoy. From secluded and secret beaches where you’ll be alone to wonder in their beauty, to cities where life is fast, you’ll find fresh seafood and picturesque villages, rich in culture and people proud of their identity. Read more… |
Depending on your client’s preferences, we can help you determine the best experiences tailored for your clients. From where to visit, when to go, what to do and how to get there safely, our travel experts will help you create an experience your clients will love.
at a glance:
SEASONS & PEAKS
Between January and May, Ecuador is the coolest and wettest time to visit, but most of the rainfall occurs in afternoon showers. As the waters around the Galapagos Islands are at their warmest and calmest, many people also want to fly to Ecuador at this time.
June to September is the driest and hottest months to visit the Ecuadorian mainland; locals also enjoy clear blue Andean skies and warm sunshine. Fewer showers also allow more extended periods in the cloud forests to enjoy birdwatching.
October to December, is a wonderful time to visit Ecuador as South American national holidays approach and the waters around the Galapagos become calmer again, so early booking is also advisable.
Best times to
visit Ecuador
The sierra offers the right balance so that you may never be cold or breaking a sweat every time you step outside. It’s evergreen-spring-like weather, but it’s a good idea to be prepared for anything! During March, April and December there is more rain than usual.
In the Amazon, also known as the rainforest, you can pretty much expect it to rain at any time, but the rainier months are March, April, and from July to September. But at any time, you can expect it to be warm and humid. Make sure you bring fast-drying clothes.
From November to March, the coast of Ecuador has its wet season. There’s a lot of rain and, in some cities, some flooding might happen. However, it will remain hot. The Galapagos get their weather from different ocean currents, so it will vary from warm and rainy from December to May and more relaxed and dry from June to December.
regional weather:
Thanks to Ecuador’s privileged location, you can enjoy a relatively pleasant year-round temperature. The weather is somewhat of a constant; however, the climate depends on the regions visited, what you’re looking for, and what you want to do!
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Ecuador Info
Capital City: Quito
Currency: U.S. Dollars
Language: Spanish
The official currency of Ecuador is the dollar, but it´s a good recomendation that you bring in change and low denomination bills as higher denominations bills are usually not accepted in smaller businesses. MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express and Visa are all used in Ecuador, with Visa being the most widely accepted one; however, it´s a good idea to always carry around some cash, especially in little towns and areas outside the metropolitan areas. ATM’s are also widely available throughout the country.
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practical information
SAFETY
Ecuador is generally safe, but there are pickpockets, especially in the bigger cities. Be sensible, as you would anywhere in the world. Remember you’re foreign and so will stick out already. Keep a close eye on your belongings, and don’t wear lots of eye-catching jewelry or flash expensive cameras, laptops, or iPhones around. Don’t venture into unsafe areas. If traveling by bus, don’t leave belongings unattended.
VACCINATIONS
No mandatory vaccinations are required to visit Ecuador. We recommend visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and checking the vaccines and medicines list, and visiting your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to make sure everything is up to date. Make sure to take precautions against altitude sickness if you’re traveling to the highlands.
VISA
Nationals of the USA and the EU do not require a visa to enter Ecuador and are granted a 90-day travel visa upon arrival. Citizens of other countries may need a visa to enter Ecuador, and it advisable to contact the Ecuadorian embassy in your home country for information. The Wikipedia Visa Policy of Ecuador is a great starting point for exploring whether or not any particular nationality might need to obtain a tourist visa to visit Peru.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity in Ecuador runs at 110 Volts, so adapters/converters may be necessary for tourists from Europe. Just be sure to check your item’s label before plugging it in. If you plan to use anything with a three-prong plug, bring an adapter, as most establishments only have two-prong outlets.
FAMILY TRAVEL IN ECUADOR
The long distances between destinations, high altitudes, and subsequent risk of altitude sickness or upset stomach all need to be when traveling with children or the elderly. However, Ecuador is an excellent place for kids with plenty of opportunities to explore the authentic culture and interact with the locals. We’re great at offering assistance as many of us here have already done it ourselves with our families. Whether exploring the Amazon’s narrow waterways, visiting a traditional market in Otavalo or, rafting on Pastaza River, there’s something here for all ages.
GETTING AROUND
Ecuador has such a variety of terrain that it’s not always that easy to navigate on your own! It’s not a big country but to get from place to place quickly we recommend flying with LATAM who offers excellent and reliable services in the few airports in the country. For shorter trips by bus, you can find many options in the cities’ bus stations. If you need to travel independently in the cities, you can use door-to-door transportation but bear in mind that private companies run them, so their prices may vary. Taxis are another option but try to take cabs from recommended taxi companies as an extra precaution.
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With eight local offices in Latin America, we have the perfect base to help you build the perfect trip for your clients. Unrivaled experience with a wide selection of bed & breakfasts, small posadas, unique boutique hotels and world class luxurious lodging.